Thursday, 7 February 2013

Over the centuries, Christian martyrs have trodden bravely in the face of danger; their convictions so strong that they've been willing to put their lives on the line and pay the ultimate sacrifice for their religion. Martyrdom began with Jesus' Apostles. According to Christian tradition, all but one of them died martyrs the exception being John the Evangelist, who perished of old age.

Yet early Christians generally were often subject to brutal persecution from the widespread communities they sought to convert. And a refusal to denounce their faith could lead to brutal and prolonged death. Here, we look at 10 unflinching Christian martyrs who died for their beliefs. But be warned: much of their suffering is not for the faint-hearted.